vanished.

1

May

"It's high school and it sucks.. it sucks so much..."

Veronica put her books in her locker, debating whether or not to grab her granola bar, all while listening to her iPod. The 5'2, short black hair  human had on a simple black t-shirt, jeans and sneakers as an outfit of choice for this boring Tuesday. Her birthday was in 6 days and she had everybody attending, along with her brother's old friends from childhood; which she thought was weird but it would be the first time meeting people who knew her brother.

"Hey Birthday Queen!"

Veronica turned to see her bestfriend Darla Denbrough approach her and give her a hug.

"Not yet Darla, six more days I will be 17." She said while leaning against her locker.

"I know but I am still excited! Your parents are throwing you a party in a hall!" Darla said.

The Tozier's became the wealthiest family after the father invested in a cellular phone company after the son's death in 2000. Richard Tozier and his wife Gloria mark that year as a golden year because of the birth of Veronica.

"The old farts.. I love them still. So what is the news about your brother? I heard he is coming to finally meet you after all these years." Veronica said.

"He is meeting me and you of course, it is a big deal for all of our parents Veronica." Darla replied.

"Have you heard about Brandon Marsh?" Veronica asked.

"He is.. another one to go missing." Darla said.

Over the past couple of weeks, multiple kids have gone missing from Derry. Not just kids, but teenagers. The last time a handful of people went missing was back in 1987, including Darla's middle brother, George.

Veronica and Darla continued there conversation about the missing kids as they walked towards the parking lot.

"So this is what they got you?"

Darla asked as her and Veronica climbed into 2016 Cherry Red Mustang. Veronica smiled, "I told them I could handle the car payment after we graduate. But Dad insisted on paying it full, he wants me to leave to Rice University with no strings attached to Derry."

"Lucky. My dad left me the Station wagon. I don't know how he thinks Sally Rustbucket can make it all the way to Houston."

The pair laughed as they drove away from school, they both had been accepted into Rice University with their stellar grades and things were really looking forward for them..

or so they thought.

...

"I am home mom!"

Veronica announced as she entered the two story home. She hanged her backpack on top of the coat rack and entered the kitchen. Her mother was making dinner and unfamiliar face was at the breakfast bar adjacent from her.

"Mom. Who is this?" She said, looking at the man, he had curly light brown hair and his face looked aged.

"This is Mr. Uris, he was a friend of your brother. He is in town for your birthday." Mrs. Tozier said.

"Pleasure to meet you Veronica. You look just like Richie." Mr. Uris said.

Veronica smiled and then she hugged her mother and grabbed a banana and excused herself up to the room.

"Have you told her?" Stanley asked Mrs. Tozier.

"Stanley.. I made a hard choice of believing you guys long ago. I was the only one to believe after all those years. What happened in 1987 should have stayed in 1987." She said.

"Bev and Ben's kid went missing. So did Mike's. How do you not see a connection?" Stan replied.

"As long as she is with me.. she is safe.."

She was wrong.